Bill Harness

Orville W. "Bill" Harness, 74, Olathe, Kansas, passed away Monday, April 9, 2007, at his home in Branson, Missouri. The family suggests contributions to ALS Association, Keith Worthington Chapter, 6950 Squibb Rd., Suite 210, Mission, KS 66202.

Bill was born July 22, 1932, in Olathe, graduated from Olathe High School in 1950, and was a life long resident. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy for a free airline ride and ended up serving over 34 years, which he cherished. He worked for Shafer and Kline Engineers, the State of Kansas Highway Commission, then the City of Olathe for 36 years before his retirement in 1998. While with the City of Olathe, his fondest memories were establishing the first traffic lighted intersection in Olathe at Chestnut and Santa Fe streets, creating the spillway at Lake Olathe, engineering the water line from the Kaw River wells to Olathe and the creation of "Trashbusters Day". Following his retirement, he worked for Payne & Brockway Engineers and the City of Shawnee. He had a love for the outdoors. His favorite activities included hunting, fishing, and trapping. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was known for his competitive gardening expertise and growing beautiful flowers. He was an avid collector of Indian artifacts.

His life was devoted to family and friends and he influenced numerous lives. His wit and sense of humor were appreciated by many. He was an All-Star All-State basketball player at Olathe High School and was offered an athletic scholarship to Central Missouri State University. He met the love of his life, Beverly Williams, in high school and they were married in 1952.

He enjoyed many fishing trips from Bennett Springs, Missouri to Alaska, often accompanied by his wife Beverly. They traveled to different, exciting destinations in both the U.S. and abroad.

Fall was the time for hunting with his many friends. He started the chapter of Ducks Unlimited in Olathe in 1975.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Orville Weston Harness and Fern Tapscott.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years; Beverly Harness; sister Shirley Rogers of Spring Hill, KS; son Phil (Marcie) Harness of Olathe, KS; daughter Pam Schaff of Overland Park, KS; grandchildren Melissa (Praxedis) Harness Flores, John (Courtney) Domoney, Angela Harness, and Ashley Domoney.